The Metropolitan Police Department recently secured a victory against crime with the arrest of a 29-year-old man connected to an armed robbery that occurred in Northwest Washington, D.C. The suspect, Brian Kelly of Northeast, D.C., is accused of committing the robbery during what was supposed to be a routine transaction arranged through Facebook Marketplace.
According to reports, the incident took place on Monday, January 27, around 4:30 p.m., when the victim met with the suspect on the 1000 block of I Street, Northwest, to exchange a product advertised online. As the victim presented the item, Kelly allegedly seized the item, pulled out a firearm, and made his escape. The arrest followed on May 21, after the U.S. Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant, leading to Kelly's charge of Armed Robbery (Gun), as reported by MPD's official release.
In the wake of the arrest, MPD has emphasized the importance of conducting online marketplace transactions within the designated Safe Exchange Zones. These zones are intended to serve as a deterrent for potential theft and pre-staged robberies by providing a secure location for buyers and sellers to complete their dealings. MPD advocates caution, especially towards individuals who resist the suggestion of meeting at these safer locations.
